Chapter 13: Recruitment III

Lake Bellwater was located north of the royal capital. During Spring, a dam halted the snowmelt flowing downward from near the mountaintops, regulating its volume. Thus, blue water – translucent and beautiful – filled this artificial lake. The royal Crystal Palace stood atop the island at the lake’s center.

Most of Crystal Palace’s outer walls were constructed from quarried Moonstones. During nightfall, the palace absorbed the surrounding moisture, emitting a dim a light. Accordingly, the royal dwelling was also called the Starlight or Sapphire Palace by those who witnessed this phenomenon. The abundance of mines within Murakumo’s territory, which quarried valuable Moonstones, made this extravagant construction possible.

An enormous, stone bridge led to Crystal Palace. Designed to be plenty spacious, the bridge had a wide breadth, allowing many people and supplies to simultaneously travel both directions without feeling constrained.

At the end of the bridge, the crescent-shaped palace came into view. Standing before the tranquil, blue lake, those who saw the Crystal Palace for the first time let forth an enraptured sigh. Because of this, the bridge had become known as The Gasp.

Many people had gathered inside Waterwing Chamber: an audience hall located deep within the center of Crystal Palace. Inside the hall, white pillars formed a line on either side towards the inner throne. Between the pillars, there hung a series of large, deep blue flags embroidered with the royal family’s crest – winged snakes – in gold thread.

Dressed in aqua uniforms, the students of Gemstone Academy had lined up in an orderly column in the center of the room. On either side of the students, Brights wearing military attire of a deeper blue than Gemstone Academy’s uniforms formed systematic lines.

As one rose in rank, Murakumo’s military uniforms became an increasingly darker shade of blue. As the line of Brights approached the throne, their attire reflected this, growing darker and darker. The uniforms of those standing in the very back were such a deep, navy blue, they could have been mistaken for black.

Since the exam had started, a month and ten days had passed. The test had ended with eleven deaths among the students of Gemstone Academy. Of the numerous commoner participants, seventy percent had perished.

Currently, Shuou was attending a tedious celebration that combined the exam’s closing ceremony, Gemstone Academy’s graduation ceremony, and a conferment ceremony in which the students received the court rank of Bright.  Of course, the students of Gemstone Academy were forced to participate in this celebration. However, the freedom of the commoners who’d accompanied them in the Abyss was respected. In other words, it had been their choice whether or not to attend.

Since the commoners had already received their rewards, they had no reason to care about this function. Nevertheless, because it was a perfect opportunity to see the interior of Crystal Palace, Shuou had decided to participate, bringing Kumokari, Jiro, and even Borge along with him. Incidentally, Shitori and Aise had asked them to come watch the ceremony, giving them another reason to be in attendance.

Heavy drumming sounded, and Watering Chamber went silent. From behind the blue curtain on the throne’s right side, an elderly man and a young girl appeared. The girl was Orthoclase, otherwise known as Duchess Adulelia, who Shuou already knew. However, he’d never seen the other man before.

“That’s Duke Serpentia,” said Kumokari. “His Miracrystal is Antigorite. Alongside the Vampire Lord’s Bloodstone and the Ice Princess’s Orthoclase, it’s one of Murakumo’s most renowned Radiantores. Because Antigorite can manipulate wind, Duke Serpentia is also known as Lord Wind Serpent.”

Standing beside Shuou, Kumokari explained this in a low enough voice that no one else could hear him.

“Ordinary” was Shuou’s first impression of Duke Serpentia. Spine bent, his standing posture was unsteady. From his temples to the top of his head, he was bald, inducing something akin to grief. If not for the shining, black, and expensive looking uniform he wore, he would resemble any other worn out, middle-aged man on the street. Even so, he gave off no air of being good-natured. His inhuman, green eyes darted around the room, resembling those of a snake. Put bluntly, he was creepy.

Despite appearing young, Amue had the grace to convince others that she was a woman of authority. From beside her, Duke Serpentia’s eyes moved restlessly, his weakness so pungent that Shuou worried if the reputation of being Antigorite’s inheritor was too heavy a burden for the old man.

From Shuou’s vantage point, Duke Antigorite and Duchess Orthoclase had taken positions slightly behind the throne on its left side, both standing still. As the sound of drums faded away, wind instruments played a high-pitched fanfare. The nobles within Waterwing Chamber all assumed a military salute, their clenched, left fists raised over their chests.

First to appear was a well-built man with a warrior’s air, his long, white hair tied back in a single knot. Though lines stood out on his hard face, he had too splendid of a posture and physique to be called an old man. So many medals decorated his black uniform that some risked jutting out. He’d draped a blue mantle over his left shoulder, and on the back of his left hand, he bore a Miracrysal the color of blood.

Without waiting for Kumokari’s explanation, Shuou knew at once. Undoubtedly, this man was in possession of the Bloodstone. As Aise had explained, he was Commander in Chief Gwen, the heroic figure who had continued to support Murakumo for centuries.

Upon seeing the next person who appeared, Shuou felt as if he could hear everyone present gasp.

“That’s the princess,” said Kumokari. “I’ve never seen her before. She’s beautiful…”

Despite showing very little interest in women, even Kumokari forgot himself while gazing upon her. The word “beautiful” rang in Shuou’s ears.

Her long, straight, and black hair extended to her knees. As fine as silk threads, one could almost imagine seeing through it. Likewise, her skin was no less fair than the pure white dress she wore. On her left hand, she bore a pale blue Miracrystal. Her similarly blue eyes were downturned, appearing somewhat damp. Above all, Shuou doubted that even the most celebrated artists could recreate the beauty of her perfectly refined features.

Combined with the ephemeral nature that her youth engendered, she also possessed the sensuality of a woman. Men and women of every age were helplessly captivated by her. Princess Sa’salia – the first member of royalty Shuou had ever seen – was undoubtedly worthy of being called a woman of peerless beauty. Nevertheless, Shuou felt a strong sense of unease.

Is she even human?

The perfect human didn’t exist in this world. If one looked close enough, even those with the most enviable of appearances had flaws somewhere. In terms of looks, Princess Sa’salia had not one distortion.

At the same time, her beauty gave Shuou the same sense of looking at an inorganic piece of jewelry. She lacked expression in a different way than Shitori, and her blue eyes – like glass beads – were empty. Here and now, if someone accused the princess of being a doll, Shuou would nod in agreement. That was how little life he sensed from her.

Princess Sa’salia took her seat upon the throne. Though Gwen had been walking in front of her, he stood slightly behind the princess, looking forward with a grim expression. The four highest ranking nobles of Murakumo had appeared together. Since kneeling during the ceremony was forbidden, everyone – including the commoner participants like Shuou – stood and watched.

The supervisor Shuou had seen during the briefing on the day before the exam called out the students’ names, presenting them with diplomas and the official words elevating them to the court rank of Bright. Warrant Bright insignias pinned to the left sides of their chests, the students adopted a reverent posture, bowing to the princess. In response, Princess Sa’salia offered each of them a light nod.

After repeating this for a number of people, Aise and Shitori’s turn came around. Both of them were the last ones remaining.

‘”It’s about time,” said Kumokari.

“Yeah,” Shuou agreed.

Kumokari broke out into a grin. Drawn in, Shuou smiled as well.

This year, Aise and Shitori were the only students to have passed the exam. Since they belonged to the same squadron, only one team had fulfilled the requirements to pass the test. Just like Shuou had heard, this status had a reasonable amount of value.

Princess Sa’salia called out their names. As her appearance suggested, she had a beautiful voice, if somewhat hoarse and lacking strength. Yet within the silence of Waterwing Chamber, her words resounded well enough to be heard.

Upon being called, Aise and Shitori approached the throne, both falling to one knee and placing their left hands over their chests.

“Warrant Bright Candidate Aise Mordred,” said the princess. “Warrant Crystalier Candidate Shitori Aurel. As a member of the royal family, I am proud of you both for achieving excellent results during this harsh examination. In anticipation of your continued loyalty, I present to you a sword and staff.”

From Gwen, Princess Sa’salia received a sword sheathed in a scabbard of intricate design, handing it to Aise. Similarly, Shitori received a dark brown, wooden staff with a large, blue gemstone embedded on the top. This staff was a weapon for Crystaliers, who needed to concentrate their power into a single point. Apparently, it helped to refine and accumulate Crynetic Energy. How effective it actually was, Shuou didn’t know.

Finally, Aise and Shitori received mantles with the royal family’s coat of arms. Bowing, they both fell back.

Afterwards, Princess Sa’salia presented words to the dead, everyone offering their silent prayers. Thanking everyone who had returned home safely, she then announced the conclusion of the exam, applause filling Waterwing Chamber.

As the event director closed the ceremony, the three Radiantores – Orthoclase, Antigorite, and Bloodstone – exited the scene, Princess Sa’salia in the lead. Gwen followed behind the gracefully departing princess. To the best of his ability, Shuou observed the pair as they left. Though he didn’t know for how long, Shuou had decided to join Murakumo’s military. At the very least, he needed to sear the image of this country’s sovereigns into his mind.

***

“What is the meaning of this!?”

Amue’s angry voice caused Kazahina to recoil.

Once she’d finished attending the ceremony, Amue had returned to work. At that time, the duchess had lost control of herself over the report she’d received, shouting furiously. The letter – delivered from the Royal Oversight Court in Gwen’s name – stated that the commoner known as Shuou was under said court’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, his enlistment into the Solid Left Army would not be allowed.

Kazahina cleared her throat. “Without wasting any time, I repeatedly asked Lord Gwen’s close associates why he’d decided this. ‘You are unauthorized to meddle in the affairs of the Royal Oversight Court.’ That was their unofficial answer.”

Hearing her words, Amue became even more indignant. “Why!? Why meddle in the affairs of a single commoner? I am a duchess, a Solar General! Why refuse my request to have a single person join my army? It’s unthinkable!”

Furious, Amue pounded both fists upon her large work desk.

“Unthinkable?” asked Kazahina. “You don’t consider it unthinkable for someone in your position to actively seek out one specific person for—”

Before Kazahina could finish speaking, Amue glowered at her.

“I’ve said too much,” said Kazahina.

“Hmph. I understand what you mean to say. More importantly, how should I invite Shuou into my army? There must be some way… Ah, yes. I’ll make him withdraw the enlistment registration he submitted. After that, I’ll hire him on personally to—”

“I find that difficult to agree with. The Royal Oversight Court has already officially accepted his enlistment registration. Any careless interference is likely to be perceived as the Adulelia Dukedom having negative feelings towards the Royal Family.”

“Mm…”

Kazahina was right. The Royal Oversight Court was an organization led by the monarch. Since Murakumo had no reigning sovereign, Gwen had adopted the role as leader. However, if Amue revealed any objections towards the court, she wouldn’t be able to complain if it resulted in perceived rebellion against the royal family.

“Well then, why don’t we declare our objection in private?” asked Amue. “The Royal Oversight Court doesn’t want to cause discord either. If our objection is unofficial, even they won’t go public with it.”

House Adulelia were elite nobles who provided immense support to Murakumo’s national strength, their name known across foreign countries. Murakumo possessed an abundance of valuable mineral resources, one of these being Moonstones. As such, foreign countries had invaded Murakumo countless times throughout its long history, all of them repelled. Even now, the situation along the borders was constantly unstable. It wouldn’t be strange for war to break out at any time. In such a situation, the Oversight Court wouldn’t want even a drop of information leaked about the worsening relationship between the royal family and the Adulelia Dukedom.

“I strongly object to that as well.”

In response to Kazahina’s unexpected reply, Amue’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“Even if unofficially, the information that you sought out a young, common man under the name of Adulelia would leak from somewhere. If that happened, I’d worry for his daily life in Murakumo. Once word spreads of his abilities that even Lady Orthoclase covets, he might draw unnecessary envy.”

Reflecting upon her subordinate’s words, Amue sighed. “Is there no way to give such talent a fair evaluation…?”

“The Royal Oversight Court already knows about his accomplishments during the exam. That information has reached Lord Gwen’s ears as well. For that reason, Shuou is being recruited as an official Squire, skipping the rank of Apprentice. For a young commoner with no backing, this is exceptional treatment.”

“I would have taken him on as a Squire Captain… However, what I find most unpleasant is Shuou’s stationing.”

According to the letter she’d received, Shuou’s expected stationing was a medium-sized fortress along the border of Aventurine. Despite being “along the border”, Aventurine was a vassal state even farther eastward that maintained its status as a country due to the mercy of Murakumo. Including military might, Aventurine lacked national strength. Soon after Murakumo’s founding, this minor power had surrendered to the Kingdom of Gathering Clouds. For a soldier, being sent to such an unimportant location meant having one’s path towards advancement terminated.

“For now, I think it would be wise to wait and see how things play out,” said Kazahina. “Should our fates cross once more, another opportunity to invite him into our army may present itself.”

“Fate, is it…?

Wearing a meek expression, Kazahina bowed her head. “You have many other things to consider, Your Excellency. For now, keep this in the back of your mind…”

“…I know. However, I’ll take the time to write Shuou a letter of apology. After personally inviting him into my army, we wound up in this mess. I’d like to apologize in person, but right now, I’m too ashamed to show him my face.”

Her expression dark, Amue picked up a writing brush. While composing a brief explanation of the circumstances to Shuou, her discontent rekindled. Being unable to recruit a single person into her army angered Amue. Likewise, she found Gwen’s forceful rejection of her request most incomprehensible. Despite recognizing Shuou as a capable person, Gwen was stationing him in a peaceful location, refusing to capitalize on his potential.

What in the world is Lord Gwen thinking?

***

The sound of boots striding at brisk pace echoed throughout the long corridor of Crystal Palace. Blue vials filled with water were embedded into either side of the wall. Like an eventide lake, the Moonstones placed inside these vials emitted a deep, azure light through the glass, illuminating the walls and floor.

“Lord Gwen.”

A woman spoke within the empty corridor.

“Is that you, Isaiah?”

Acknowledging his adjutant, Gwen waved his index finger as if to say, “Follow me”. He cast a sidelong glance at Isaiah, who was a little late in following. His adjutant had short, brunette hair, a somewhat swarthy complexion, and a brown Miracrystal. She was on the shorter side. If Gwen – who was rather tall – extended his hand, his palm would rest atop her head. Barely blinking, Isaiah looked forward, her catlike eyes standing out in sharp relief. Upon closer inspection, she had small crow’s feet around the corners of her eyes.

Have thirty years passed?

Once, while battling various southern nations, Gwen had temporarily taken control of a feudal lord’s manor. A young girl had been the lone survivor. Taking her in, Gwen had named the girl Isaiah, keeping her at his side. On a whim, he’d fed her, given her an education, and even raised her. In no time at all, she’d grown into someone worthy of serving as a Solar Bright.

Isaiah knew the truth. The Kingdom of Murakumo had driven her real family to death. Nevertheless, she still loved Gwen like a father, devoting herself this country.

Humans lived short lives. Merely from breathing and walking around like so, they grew old and decayed. Even Isaiah – who trailed behind Gwen now – would probably die before too long.

Leaving him behind.

Yet he didn’t find that sad. After living for so long, Gwen’s heart had long since withered away, drying up like an enormous sand dune. Nonetheless, he couldn’t stop moving forward. Until he achieved his single purpose in life, he had no choice but to cling to existence.

“Did anything unusual happen during the ceremony?” asked Gwen.

“Nothing in particular,” said Isaiah. “If I had to give some answer, Solar Bright Kazahina of the Solid Left Army did question me several times about a commoner named Shuou.”

“The young Adulelia girl? Orthoclase is pestering you, I see. To think she’d desire a single commoner to this extent.”

“I read the report from the Warrant Bright Candidate who accompanied him. If it’s true, he’s rather skilled.”

The word “rather” wasn’t sufficient. Commoners who could calmly and single-handedly dispose of two Rabidaemons didn’t exist. Without question, he was a young man blessed with innate skill. Moreover, either due to his talent or character, he’d enthralled a young noblewoman, most of whom were extremely prideful. He had the strength to conquer others and the charisma to win them over. If someone possessed either of these traits, they would someday become an extraordinary leader.

“I’m aware,” said Gwen. “Therefore, needlessly handing him over to Orthoclase is unnecessary.”

“But if we keep him at our side, placing him in one of the northern or southern facing fortresses would be appropriate… I believe.”

A young man blessed with talent. Orthoclase – one of Murakumo’s most powerful figures – had already set her eyes on him. If given a place to serve, he would steadily grow more famous. Gwen didn’t wish for that to happen. The stronger the person, the more they would sharpen their claws and fangs in secret. No matter how submissive they once seemed. During his long life, Gwen had learned that lesson all too well.

This country doesn’t need heroes.

Shuou was still a young man. Yes, he could possibly be tamed, but there were no guarantees, and Gwen didn’t have the time to bother. He needed those who were obedient, no matter how incompetent they might be. Only pawns he could make roll over in the palm of his hand were necessary. He could say that much with certainty. The great country of Murakumo wasn’t so weak that he needed to seek out and rely on a single prodigy.

If Gwen drove such prodigies away, it was clear that Orthoclase would take them in. That would be meaningless. The power dynamic between this country and its various feudal lords was perfectly balanced. If even one person of extraordinary power sided with a single lord, that equilibrium could easily crumble. Gwen couldn’t ignore even the smallest of seeds, for he never knew what they might grow into.

If Shuou remained underutilized in the peaceful countryside, fell into boredom, lost hope in this country, and finally left, that would be for the best. Even if he succeeded in another country, Gwen would let him do as he pleased. Yes, he could kill Shuou, but the young man wasn’t someone who required the use of such strong measures. For now, at least. Furthermore, drawing Orthoclase’s suspicion would cause trouble. Personally, Gwen bore no ill will against Shuou. He even liked talented people. As such, everything proceeding quietly would be ideal.

“I’ve already made my decision,” he said.

In response to Gwen’s brief statement, Isaiah showed deference. “My apologies… Where are you headed to now, Your Excellency?”

“To visit the princess. Today, she appeared before an audience for the first time in a long while. As a result, various lords have requested a direct audience with her. If I delay the inheritance of her stone any longer, unseemly rumors will probably start to circulate.  If you have nothing else to report, stand back.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

Saluting, Isaiah remained in place. As his adjutant saw him off, Gwen climbed the stairs leading to the highest floor, taking each step one at a time.

***

Moonlight dulled by thin clouds streamed through the skylight, illuminating the chilly room. As if running away, Sa’salia tossed off her shoes, rolling into her ornate bed covered in silk sheets. The bittersweet scent of burned flowers whirled around her room.

She could sense someone standing at the room’s entrance. Despite lying with her face down, she still caught sight of the man she knew all too well.

“At least call out to me when you enter my room, Gwen,” she said.

He was large man with white hair. The imposing figure who stood rooted to the floor at this moment – called the father of Murakumo – was a monster who had already lived over five hundred years. Gwen had known Sa’salia since the time of her birth. Since she’d lost her parents at a young age, he was the only person she had a deep enough connection with to call a relative. For a long time, however, Gwen had found many reasons to scold her. Thus, her feelings towards him weren’t very positive. If she compared their relationship to a normal one, he would be a bothersome, fault-finding grandfather.

”Your Highness,” said Gwen. “Wouldn’t it be better to at least change clothes before you lie down?”

“Enough. Since I attended that stupid ceremony, you can at least overlook this.”

“…It’s an important coming-of-age ceremony for the young men and women who will bear the future of Murakumo. As the next leader of this country, your duty to attend should be a matter of course.”

“And who is it who lets those young men and women who will bear the future die in vain each year?”

Sa’salia spoke sarcastically to Gwen, who forced those students to participate in this unreasonable test.

“……………….”

Her words were effective. For the time being, she’d silenced Gwen’s scolding.

Sa’salia rang her hand bell, not allowing him time to make his next statement. Immediately, one of her ladies-in-waiting appeared.

“Bring it here,” she said.

No further words were necessary. In response to Sa’salia’s usual request, the lady-in-waiting quietly bowed her head.

Gwen thrust his hand in front of the lady-in-waiting, blocking her path. “Wait,” he said. “You’re still using the Flower of Lucaine?”

“And what if I am?” asked Sa’salia.

“You know the smoke from that flower rots one’s mind. I’m sure you remember. Last time I gave you a warning, you promised to stop.”

“You’re so annoying… I’m tired from appearing in front of people today. Smoking a little shouldn’t hurt. Now hurry up and go.”

Sa’salia glared at the detained lady-in-waiting, urging her to follow orders. Even so, Gwen continued blocking the path outside.

“I won’t allow it,” he said.

He spoke firmly, glaring at the lady-in-waiting. Frightened, the woman drew back, unmoving. Sa’salia was growing irritated. The woman’s top priority should have been carrying out her orders.

“What are you doing?” asked the princess. “I’m the one who gave you an order.”

Looking back and forth between Sa’salia and Gwen, the lady-in-waiting still refused to move. “Yes, but…”

“That’s enough. Those who can’t listen to my commands aren’t qualified to be here.”

Holding up her left hand, Sa’salia formed Crynetic Energy. Dense, blue fog began filling the room’s entryway. With inhuman movements, Gwen – who’d been standing right beside the servant – retreated to the corner of the room where the fog wouldn’t reach.

”Guh… Gah… Hah…”

Stranded in the blue fog, the lady-in-waiting fell to the ground, clutching her throat. Heartrendingly, she writhed in pain, drool spilling from her mouth. She was so pathetic, a thin smile appeared on Sa’salia’s lips.

This was a poisonous fog used by the royal family of Murakumo. When the Kingdom of Gathering Clouds had still been a single state, the founding queen had used this power to bring the warring factions of Serpentia and Adulelia under her control, it was said. Sa’salia hadn’t yet inherited Celestine: the royal family’s Radiantore. Nevertheless, this power she’d possessed since birth could kill people without difficulty.

Sa’salia had forced her lady-in-waiting to inhale a poisonous, paralytic fog. In an instant, the fog stole her body’s freedom, gradually depriving her of the ability to breathe. This power, which caused a slow, excruciating death akin to drowning on land, was a fitting execution for those foolish enough to defy the princess.

“Your… Highness…” the woman gasped. “Please…. forgive me…”

Breathing alone should have required all her effort, but the lady-in-waiting mustered enough strength to plead for her life.

“Please, Your Highness,” said Gwen. “That’s enough.”

“You’re hopeless, Gwen. But yes… If you promise to stop meddling in my private affairs, I’ll forgive her.”

Still silent, Gwen lowered his head. With that confirmation, Sa’salia extinguished her Crynetic Energy. Regaining her normal breathing, the lady-in-waiting sat up, coughing violently.

“This is your final warning,” said Sa’salia. “Do what I ordered you to at once.”

Bounding away, the lady-in-waiting soon returned with a full bag of Lucaine petals and a set of paraphernalia. She placed a bulbous, glass bottle atop a small table, inserted flower petals into it, and filled it with water. From the bottom, she then warmed the bong with a candle flame. As it was gradually heated, Sa’salia inhaled the resultant smoke from a pipe connected to top of the bong.

The bittersweet scent of the flowers filled her mouth. As her vision swayed, Sa’salia lay spread-eagle across her bed. Accompanied by a sense of euphoria, the smoke produced from Lucaine flowers also had a strong hallucinogenic effect. Highly addictive, the majority of users became habitual smokers. While its effects lasted, joyful delusions would overtake one’s mind, also producing visual and auditory hallucinations.

Everything. I want to forget everything.

That she’d been born into the royal family. That she bore the weight of an entire country. That she was alone, without a single close friend or family member. That Gwen looked at her with nothing but disappointment. That her parents had both died. That moment, that scene.

For all she cared, this painful reality could disappear.

Little by little, she lost consciousness. The smell of smoke gathered up memories that had settled in the depths of her mind. A time when her parents had still been alive. Gently stroking Sa’salia’s head, they’d sung her lullabies.

Only now could she innocently laugh as she’d done in the past.

“—————”

What was Gwen saying?

Gwen…? Who is… this man?

Sa’salia couldn’t remember who she’d just been talking to. Even so, she soon lost interest in that as well. Looking at the ceiling, she found twinkling stars performing a lively dance. The stars looked so enchanting, Sa’salia stretched her arms towards the ceiling. Gathered in her hands, the stars – much to her delight – jumped up and down atop her palms.

“Teehee.”

Like ice, rational thought melted away little by little. Her unfocused gaze swimming, Sa’salia laughed.

Yes, this feels nice.

Note: This brings us to the end of the first arc. If you’re enjoying the story, please consider leaving a rating or short review on Novel Updates. And thank you to everyone who always leaves comments. As always, expect the next chapter on Thursday!

Original text: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4006r/8/